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Motor Mount and Wheel Kit –AL and –MP
–AL (#28962, aluminum) and –MP (#28963, molded plastic)
Each kit includes a 36-position Quadrature Encoder Set (#29321)
The Parallax Motor Mount and Wheel Kit –AL (aluminum) and –MP (molded HDPE plastic) are complete
mechanical drive systems for sturdy and robust mid-sized mobile robots. Each kit is comprised of two
independent drive assemblies that are mirror images of each other. Each assembly contains a right-angle
worm-drive gear motor, axle and ball bearing unit, a six-inch pneumatic tire with tube, and an integrated
encoder system that provides feedback to the microcontroller or processor of your choice.
This kit is designed for direct compatibility with our Arlo Robot Base Kit (#28960). It can be mounted to
your own custom robot platform using the pre-tapped holes in the machined 6061 aluminum mounting
blocks (-AL version) or in the pre-drilled holes on the injection molded High-density Polyethylene (HDPE)
mounting blocks (-MP version). These kits are not backwards compatible with the previous Motor Mount
and Wheel Kit with Position Controller (#27971). Please see the Product Compatibility section, page 13.
Features
Both drive systems
HDPE drive system (#28963)

Conveniently located mounting holes for
easy mounting to the Arlo Robot Base
Kit or your own robotic platform design

Rugged pneumatic tires well-suited for
indoor and outdoor terrain
 Powerful and strong, yet light weight
Aluminum drive system (#28962)

Powerful worm-drive DC gear-motors
mount on precision injection molded
High-density Polyethylene (HDPE) Motor
Mount Blocks

Able to carry up to 20 lbs. of payload
Encoders

36-position Quadrature Encoders
provide up to 144 pulses per revolution

Powerful worm-drive DC gear-motors
mount on precision machined 6061 solid
aluminum Motor Mount Blocks

Dual-signal, out-of-phase outputs
indicate direction

Able to carry up to 60 lbs. of payload

Pulse widths indicate speed; number of
pulses indicate distance traveled

Easy to integrate with your robotic
system designs
Key Specifications
Drive system
Encoders

DC Motor nominal operating voltage:
12.0 VDC


No load current: approx. 1.50 A

Approx. 100 RPM @ 12.0 VDC, 1.50 A,
no load
1.5 lbs. per drive assembly (two
included in this kit)
Copyright © Parallax Inc.

Power requirements: 2.5 VDC @ 3.5
mA, 3.0 VDC @ 5.0 mA, 11.6 mA @
5.5 VDC max.

Communication: dual-channel high/low
pulse output

Dimensions: 2.0 x 1.1 x .25 in
(5.1 x 2.7 x 0.6 cm)
Operating temp: 32–158 °F (0–70 °C)

Motor Mount and Wheel Kit -AL(#228962) –MP(#28963) v1.1 1/21/2015 Page 1 of 13
Bill of Materials for #28962 (Aluminum)
Part #
750-90005
750-90006
29321
34030
34015
34016
34031
700-00100
710-00015
710-00031
710-00105
713-00030
721-00006
724-00001
725-00023
725-00024
Description
Motor, 12 VDC (left)
Motor, 12 VDC (right)
36-position Quadrature Encoder Set (contains 2 encoder assemblies)
Motor Bearing Block 2 Aluminum
Wheel, main rim – 6061 Aluminum
Wheel, rim ring – 6061 Aluminum
Robot Drive Axle 2
1/8 x 1” Roll Pin
Screw, #4-40x1/2”, FH, SS
Screw, M6,1 mm x 50 mm SH, Black
Screw, #1/4-20x5/8”,BH,SS
Spacer 0.50” x 1”, RND, AL
Knobby Tire, 6” x 1-1/4” Rubber w/tube
0.5” ID x 1.125” OD Ball Bearing
Hex Key, 5 mm
Hex Key, 5/32”
Quantity
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
2
12
6
2
6
2
2
1
1
Bill of Materials for #28963 (Molded Plastic)
Part #
750-90005
750-90006
29321
34031
34040
34041
700-00100
710-00045
711-00008
710-00031
710-00105
713-00030
721-00006
724-00001
725-00023
725-00024
Description
Motor, 12 VDC (left)
Motor, 12 VDC (right)
36-position Quadrature Encoder Set (contains 2 encoder assemblies)
Robot Drive Axle 2
Motor Bearing Block 2MP
Robot Rim Set 2MP
1/8 x 1” Roll Pin
Screw, #4-40x1”, FH, SS
#4-40 Acorn Nut
Screw, M6,1 mm x 50 mm SH, Black
Screw, #1/4-20 x 5/8”, BH, SS
Spacer 0.50” x 1”, RND, AL
Knobby Tire, 6” x 1-1/4” Rubber w/tube
0.5” ID x 1.125” OD Ball Bearing
Hex Key, 5 mm
Hex Key, 5/32”
Quantity
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
12
12
6
2
6
2
2
1
1
Tools Required
•
•
•
•
•
Hex Keys: 5 mm and 5/32” (included)
Screwdriver: #1 Phillips and flathead combination screwdriver (not included)
Small wooden mallet or small regular hammer (not included)
Wood block (not included)
Tire pump and air chuck (preferably a bicycle hand pump, not included)
Assembly Instructions
Although two sets are included in your kit, these assembly details depict one motor assembly. You will
need to assemble both sets – one is a mirror image of the other.
Copyright © Parallax Inc.
Motor Mount and Wheel Kit -AL(#228962) –MP(#28963) v1.1 1/21/2015 Page 2 of 13
Step 1: Axle
Align the axle’s socket with the motor’s square drive shaft and press-fit it into place.
Although the axle is precision machined to fit with the motor shaft, sometimes the axles will slide on
effortlessly, or they may require a very gentle tap from a non-steel hammer to seat them as shown
below. This is due to manufacturing tolerances on the motors.
When you first put the axle on the shaft it may seem loose and wiggle around a bit…this is normal. Once
you install the block and screws the wiggle will almost entirely disappear. This is well within the drive
system and encoder’s resolution design parameters.
When the drive shaft is all the way on the motor drive pin, it should look like this. The distance between
the motor housing and the large end of the axle should be approximately one-tenth of an inch.
Gap should be
0.1 inch
(2.5 mm) wide
Copyright © Parallax Inc.
Motor Mount and Wheel Kit -AL(#228962) –MP(#28963) v1.1 1/21/2015 Page 3 of 13
Step 2: Encoder Disk
Next, remove any debris from the internal fins on the encoder disk (a toothpick, fingernail or tiny
screwdriver work well). Slide the encoder disk onto the drive shaft. The internal teeth on the disk will
deform slightly and grip the shaft.
Step 3: Bearing
Slide the bearing onto the drive shaft.
Copyright © Parallax Inc.
Motor Mount and Wheel Kit -AL(#228962) –MP(#28963) v1.1 1/21/2015 Page 4 of 13
Step 4: Bearing Block
Insert the motor and axle assembly into the Bearing Block. The Bearing Blocks are interchangeable, and
therefore can be used on either side of the device. Be certain that the bearing is completely seated
within the cavity – it should be a very snug fit.
Step 5: Bearing Block and Drive Pin
Insert the drive pin into the axle. Use a non-marring hammer (or be very careful with a regular
hammer), and tap it in gently. It should be a “friction” fit.
Copyright © Parallax Inc.
Motor Mount and Wheel Kit -AL(#228962) –MP(#28963) v1.1 1/21/2015 Page 5 of 13
Step 6: Bearing Block and Axle Assembly
Using (3) 50 mm hex-head socket screws, and (3) 1” x 0.5” standoffs, attach the motor/drive axle
assembly to each of the motor bearing blocks as shown.
Step 7: Encoder Cables
Plug the encoder cables into each of the encoder boards as shown. Be sure to match the wire color with
the B-R-W color-coding on the boards. The white wires will be adjacent to each other in the center of the
connector.
Copyright © Parallax Inc.
Motor Mount and Wheel Kit -AL(#228962) –MP(#28963) v1.1 1/21/2015 Page 6 of 13
Step 8: Mount Encoder Boards
Carefully mount the encoder boards in the cavities as shown. You should position the encoder boards
over the encoder disks such that the disks fit in the center of the slot on the encoder sensor.
Fasten the encoder board to the motor bearing blocks using the flat-head Phillips screws provided. When
mounting the encoders to the HDPE blocks, be careful not to over-tighten. The -MP blocks are designed
to allow the screws to cut their own threads into the plastic as you drive them in. Be gentle! They will
hold well, as long as you don’t strip out the mounting holes (-MP version). If you do happen to strip out
the holes, you can install slightly longer screws and use nuts on the underside (not included).
This completes the assembly of one of the drive units. Duplicate what you just accomplished and when
you’re finished the result is two separate motor drive units that are mirror images of each other—one for
the right side and one for the left side of your robot platform, as shown here.
Copyright © Parallax Inc.
Motor Mount and Wheel Kit -AL(#228962) –MP(#28963) v1.1 1/21/2015 Page 7 of 13
Step 9: Drive Wheel Assembly Parts
The HDPE and Aluminum drive assemblies have the same shaped pieces. The aluminum version utilizes
tapped holes in the rim sections to hold the pieces together, whereas the HDPE version relies on
additional #4-40 acorn nuts.
Only HDPE
plastic version
includes nuts
Step 10: Inner Tube
Begin by inflating the inner tubes with a bicycle pump. Add just enough air to make them round, but not
under any pressure. Insert them into the tires as shown. This will help keep the tube and tread in
alignment as you’re sandwiching the split rim wheel system together.
Copyright © Parallax Inc.
Motor Mount and Wheel Kit -AL(#228962) –MP(#28963) v1.1 1/21/2015 Page 8 of 13
Step 11: Rims
Place the main rim over the valve stem, being sure to line up the stem notch as shown below. Push it
down tight so that the rim is well seated into the rubber tire.
Align valve
stem with notch
in main rim
The aluminum wheel kit uses #4-40 x ½” long flat head bolts which screw directly into tapped holes on
the aluminum Main Rim section.
The HDPE wheel kit uses the #4-40 x 1” long screws and acorn nuts that fit into a recess on the plastic
Main Rim section. Think of them as miniature “lug nuts” that hold your wheel together.
Put a screw or bolt (depending on which kit you have) into each of the holes in the inner rim. Then,
place the inner rim on the tire as shown, aligning the bolts or screws with the holes in the main rim.
Secure Rims - Aluminum Version: Best practice for assembly is to get all of the screws started into
their respective threaded holes. Then, tighten each one slightly and slowly go around the circle, which
brings the two rim sections together evenly. Also, be sure to not pinch or bind the tube while screwing
the assembly together.
Secure Rims – HDPE Plastic Version: Insert an acorn nut into its cavity in the main rim, and tighten
the screw from the inner rim side with a screwdriver. Repeat with the remaining nuts. Avoid pinching the
tube while screwing the two halves together.
Copyright © Parallax Inc.
Motor Mount and Wheel Kit -AL(#228962) –MP(#28963) v1.1 1/21/2015 Page 9 of 13
Step 12: Inflate Tires
Inflate the tires; 20–25 psi is optimum for traction, load capacity, and shock absorption. HIGHLY ADVISE
using a bicycle hand pump to inflate the tires since the air capacity is so small, or a regulated air
compressor set between 20 and 25 psi for safety and best results. DO NOT EXCEED 35 PSI as this may
cause the tube to rupture and/or break the inner rim of the HDPE version of the kit.
Step 13: Mount Assemblies to Drive Shaft
Next, mount the wheel assemblies to the drive shaft, being careful to align the drive pin to the slots cut
into the rim assemblies. Attach the wheels with (1) #¼-20 x 5/8” Button Head Screw on each assembly.
Align drive pin
with this slot
You should now have two drive assemblies that look like this:
Copyright © Parallax Inc.
Motor Mount and Wheel Kit -AL(#228962) –MP(#28963) v1.1 1/21/2015 Page 10 of 13
Step 14: Mounting to a Robot Platform
If you are using your Motor Mount and Wheel Kit with the Arlo Robot Base Kit (#28960), follow the
mounting instructions in that product’s documentation. Go to www.parallax.com and search “28960.”
To mount this drive system to your robotic platform of choice, you can use the mounting holes shown
below (wheels removed for clarity).
HDPE Plastic Version
In the HDPE version the mounting holes on the top and bottom of the mounting block are pre-drilled to a
depth of 6/10” for self-tapping by driving a #¼-20 screw into them, of whatever length is necessary for
the thickness of your chosen platform.
You can pre-tap the HTPE plastic if you prefer, however the properties of HDPE allow you drive the screw
in directly. The screw cuts its own threads and once it’s in, the HDPE tends to bind to the screws much
like a Nylon lock-nut, resulting in a surprisingly strong mechanical connection.
Aluminum Version
In the aluminum version, the mounting holes on the top and bottom of the mounting block are pre-drilled
and pre-tapped to a depth 6/10” to accommodate a #¼-20 screw of whatever length is necessary for the
thickness of your chosen platform.
Copyright © Parallax Inc.
Motor Mount and Wheel Kit -AL(#228962) –MP(#28963) v1.1 1/21/2015 Page 11 of 13
36-position Quadrature Encoder Operation
The 36-position Quadrature Encoders provide a convenient means to reliably track the position and speed
of each wheel at all times. With the (included) Encoder disks, each Encoder assembly has a basic
resolution of 36 positions per rotation. However, because there are two sensors in each assembly, this
results in a potential resolution of 144 positions per full tire rotation. This translates to a linear resolution
of approximately 0.13 inches of travel per drive assembly, using the stock six-inch tires. Actual resolution
will be limited by the amount of backlash in each of the gear motor assemblies, which is approximately
+/- 0.175 lineal inches.
The 36 Position Quadrature Encoder Kit employs a dual-slotted sensor mounted on a printed circuit board
(PCB). This module contains a single infrared light source on one side of its slot, and two separate
sensors embedded into the opposite side of the slot.
When the encoder disk rotates and swings through the slot, each individual fin on the disk blocks first
one sensor, and then the other, from the light source. The first blocked sensor transitions from low to
high, and then, as the encoder disk continues to rotate, the second sensor is blocked and it too
transitions from low to high. These two signals overlap each other, as shown in the diagram below.
In the diagram, notice that after sensor 1 goes high (A), sensor 2 then goes high (B) as the encoder
continues to rotate. Then, as the encoder continues to spin, sensor 1 goes low (C), and then sensor 2
follows (D). Because sensor 1 went high before sensor 2 (A-B), this indicates that the encoder disk is
rotating in one direction (in the case of a robot, either forward or reverse). If sensor 2 went high before
sensor 1, then the disk is rotating in the opposite direction. By interpreting these two signals, the
following can be determined:
•
•
•
•
Whether or not the device is moving (by detecting transitions on either sensor).
The direction in which the device is moving (by detecting which sensor transition occurs first).
The speed at which the device is moving—by measuring the widths of each pulse, or by
measuring the frequency of the pulses.
The total distance traveled (by counting the number of pulses from either sensor).
The Quadrature Encoders are compatible with most any microcontroller. Keep in mind that the Encoders
provide pure, real-time data; there is no processing delay on the Encoder board itself. The Encoder
delivers two high-speed output channels (through the white wires) to the circuit (or microcontroller) of
your choice.
Copyright © Parallax Inc.
Motor Mount and Wheel Kit -AL(#228962) –MP(#28963) v1.1 1/21/2015 Page 12 of 13
Product Compatibility Notice
The original Motor Mount and Wheel Kit (#27971) contained Position Controller Kits (#27906). The
current version of the kit includes 36-position Quadrature Encoder Kits. The 36-position Quadrature
Encoder Kit is NOT an electrical drop-in replacement for the Position Controller Kits. The communication
protocols and electrical connections are substantially different. Microcontroller code written for one
system would not be compatible for the other. For information about the Position Controller Kits search
27906 at www.parallax.com.
The Motor Mount and Wheel Kit –AL (#28962) and –MP (#28963) ARE compatible with:
•
•
•
Arlo Robot Base Kit (#28960)
Caster Wheel Kit Rev B (#28961)
Arlo Top Deck Kit (#28965)
The Motor Mount and Wheel Kit –AL (#28962) and –MP (#28963) are NOT compatible with:
•
•
•
•
MadeUSA Robot Base Kit (#28970)
Caster Wheel Kit (#28971)
Eddie Fully Assembled (#28990)
Eddie Unassembled (#28992)
Revision History
Version 1.0: original release
Version 1.1: Updated Step 1: Axle, page 3.
Copyright © Parallax Inc.
Motor Mount and Wheel Kit -AL(#228962) –MP(#28963) v1.1 1/21/2015 Page 13 of 13